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How to Get an Internship at Harvard (or, a job, anywhere): A thread.
Apply early. There's no benefit in waiting. You can't "game" the system. You can't wait until the "perfect" moment to apply.
The perfect moment is now.
The longer you wait, the more likely it is that other candidates will be considered, and offered a job, before you.
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The perfect moment is now.
The longer you wait, the more likely it is that other candidates will be considered, and offered a job, before you.
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Read the job description carefully. It's ok to stretch, and apply to a job you think you can do but aren't sure you have the perfect experience for. That's fine. Just be ready to sell it.
BUT - Don't apply if you don't meet the basic requirements. That's just disrespectful.
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BUT - Don't apply if you don't meet the basic requirements. That's just disrespectful.
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You don't say the same things in different job interviews, so don't write the same things in different job applications.
Customize your cover letter and your resume to fit the job. Highlight important things, move down less relevant ones.
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Customize your cover letter and your resume to fit the job. Highlight important things, move down less relevant ones.
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I will read your resume once when it arrives. That's it. What I'm looking for are words from the job description. If I don't see "video" or "creative" or "broadcast" or "production" or "innovation" I move on.
Find the keywords in the job description, and USE THEM!
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Find the keywords in the job description, and USE THEM!
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Don't bury the lede. If you have something you're really proud of - show me. In your resume, in your cover letter, in your demo reel.
Assume I read only the first sentence of every doc. Sell me on your application!
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Assume I read only the first sentence of every doc. Sell me on your application!
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There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using your network to get a job.
Ask for references, recommendations and connections. That’s what your network is for. Use it, but don't abuse it.
Don't ask for 20 references. Don't send 20 emails. Be respectful of people's time.
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Ask for references, recommendations and connections. That’s what your network is for. Use it, but don't abuse it.
Don't ask for 20 references. Don't send 20 emails. Be respectful of people's time.
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Be prompt in responding to emails.
I got your resume, I invited you to an interview - reply and say "thank you."
Don't leave me hanging. Don't make me wonder if you got my note.
Employers want responsive employees.
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I got your resume, I invited you to an interview - reply and say "thank you."
Don't leave me hanging. Don't make me wonder if you got my note.
Employers want responsive employees.
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EVERYTHING is considered as part of your application.
Your resume, your cover letter, your emails to me, the language you use, your Twitter account, your Facebook Profile, your LinkedIn page, your Google results.
If it's public, it's fair game. Make sure it all looks good!
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Your resume, your cover letter, your emails to me, the language you use, your Twitter account, your Facebook Profile, your LinkedIn page, your Google results.
If it's public, it's fair game. Make sure it all looks good!
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If you get to your interview on time, you're already late.
In person - come 5 minutes early.
On Zoom - come 2 minutes early.
Don't make me wait for you. I will ABSOLUTELY judge you for it.
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In person - come 5 minutes early.
On Zoom - come 2 minutes early.
Don't make me wait for you. I will ABSOLUTELY judge you for it.
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If your goal during the interview is to give me an oral version of your resume, don't bother.
I'm good. I got it.
Your goal during the interview is to convince me that I can't work without you. That I MUST hire you for my team.
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I'm good. I got it.
Your goal during the interview is to convince me that I can't work without you. That I MUST hire you for my team.
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Be funny, but not too funny.
Be excited, but not too excited.
Be motivated, but not too motivated.
Be humble, but not too humble.
I don't know how better to say it, but just act like a normal person. Don't overdue it. Just be yourself.
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Be excited, but not too excited.
Be motivated, but not too motivated.
Be humble, but not too humble.
I don't know how better to say it, but just act like a normal person. Don't overdue it. Just be yourself.
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Don't leave an interview without asking for next steps.
When will I hear back?
When will you make a decision?
When will the job start?
The interview works both ways. Make sure you get all the info YOU need too.
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When will I hear back?
When will you make a decision?
When will the job start?
The interview works both ways. Make sure you get all the info YOU need too.
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A thank you note is part of the interview. It's not optional.
If you interview in the morning, send a thank you email in the afternoon.
If you interview in the afternoon, send a thank you email the next morning.
Be specific, be thankful and be brief.
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If you interview in the morning, send a thank you email in the afternoon.
If you interview in the afternoon, send a thank you email the next morning.
Be specific, be thankful and be brief.
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There's nothing wrong with checking in after a while.
Wait a week, and send a note. "I'm still very interested. Hoping to hear from you soon."
Wait 3 weeks, and check in again. No problem with that.
Just be respectful. The job isn't yours yet. Don't blow it.
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Wait a week, and send a note. "I'm still very interested. Hoping to hear from you soon."
Wait 3 weeks, and check in again. No problem with that.
Just be respectful. The job isn't yours yet. Don't blow it.
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You got a job offer!!
OK - Ask for a few days to think it over.
NOT OK - Ask for a few weeks to think it over.
OK - Get back to me with your answer.
NOT OK - Leave me waiting too long.
OK - Ask clarifying questions about role, pay, etc.
NOT OK - Make demands.
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OK - Ask for a few days to think it over.
NOT OK - Ask for a few weeks to think it over.
OK - Get back to me with your answer.
NOT OK - Leave me waiting too long.
OK - Ask clarifying questions about role, pay, etc.
NOT OK - Make demands.
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You accepted the offer. Great! Congrats!
Now, don't be a stranger. Stay in touch. Ask more questions. Get all the info you need to hit the ground running.
Don't wait to be told what to do.
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Now, don't be a stranger. Stay in touch. Ask more questions. Get all the info you need to hit the ground running.
Don't wait to be told what to do.
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That's all. No big secrets here.
You want an internship/job? Come and get it! I'm not going to hand it to you on a silver platter.
You have to work to make it happen. Make me WANT to hire you. Believe me, it will be worth it!
/End
You want an internship/job? Come and get it! I'm not going to hand it to you on a silver platter.
You have to work to make it happen. Make me WANT to hire you. Believe me, it will be worth it!
/End
